The Grey Matters

Uncomfortable Situation

sometimes feeling like a giant can make me uncomfortable… but at least I have my twin. (Meredith, sister-in-law Melissa, and Me)

Well, now!! There are a few things. (Being taller than everyone actually stopped making me uncomfortable a long time ago. You just get used to it when you grow to your full height of 5’11 in 8th grade.) First off, I’ll tell you the OCD-type things that make me uncomfortable. They’re ridiculous and I can’t explain it.

Counter-clockwise circles. They make my head hurt! If I run around a park, I’m going clockwise. If I stir milk into my coffee, my spoon is going clockwise. Don’t ask me where this originated. (but there’s a good chance it could have been something to do with playing tetherball in elementary school)

Left side, wrong side. Stepping on cracks or “first” steps with my left foot makes me uncomfortable. It’s like a points system. My right foot needs more, so I step on cracks and begin walking up stairs with my right foot, always. I like everything to be on the right side. If I ever get tattoos, they will most likely only be on the right side of my body. I know. I’m strange, I guess.

Those are the most odd examples. Now moving onto more everyday, social-ish, type situations that make me uncomfortable:

Political debates and/or weird or rude political comments. Dude! Seriously. Get off your high horse for one second. I can’t stand disrespectful or sweeping statements by either party. One time I helped a customer, who presumably thought I was a liberal hippy who wanted to make his life miserable (which I’m totally not), who added to every response he gave me, “… because I’m not a democrat.” It was weird, folks.

Me: Can I get you an extra bag?

Him: Sure, because I’m not a democrat.” (me ignoring this)

Me: Can I offer you a slice of bread?

Him: No thanks, because I’m not a democrat. (me raising my eyebrows, but continuing to ignore this)

Honestly, I don’t know why he was saying this or what the point was. All I know is he was saying it in a tone that was anything but nice. It was easy to ignore. I didn’t take the bait, whatever that bait was supposed to lead me to. Replace the word “democrat” with “republican” and I would have felt exactly the same way. Just leave me alone! At this current point in time, I wouldn’t call myself either.

My “political status” on FB says:

Show me a politician who wants to eliminate GMOs and Monsanto, and you’ve got my vote. Where is he/she?

And that’s all I’ll say about that!

People who use very big words in conversation. I studied English in college, too. I was never one of those kids in class who raised my hand, only to confuse the other students, and quite possibly the professor. Layman’s terms.

Seeing a couple argue. Like really argue… not just bicker. It’s weird and not for the public to see.

People who won’t look me in the eye. OR people who stare into my eyes.I guess there’s some kind of social norm of eye contact somewhere in the middle. I think it’s important, but I’ll probably look away and/or sweat if you gaze at me while we’re talking. I’ll really wonder what I’ve done wrong if you don’t look at me at all. What’s on the ceiling?

When dogs play. Probably a good reason for me to never own a dog. I hate it when they “play” and it looks like they’re going to eat each other. I’m that annoying dinner guest cringing and asking, “Um, is everything going to be okay?”

Other than that I really don’t get uncomfortable all that often. I can deal with a lot. I can handle rudeness of sorts and people who are just plain odd. I’m also not afraid to politely ask a friend to stir their spoon the correct way. Don’t be surprised if I do this to you.